"Birds Are Like My Afternoon Martini" (Birding with Lili Taylor)

In this episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos interviews actress Lili Taylor about how birdwatching has become a creative and effective coping mechanism for stress in her life. Lili discusses the challenges of her acting career, such as constant travel and emotionally draining roles, and how she discovered the calming and grounding presence of birds. She explains how observing birds helps her connect with her environment, practice mindfulness, and find moments of awe, ultimately leading to improved emotional regulation and a greater sense of well-being. The conversation also touches on practical tips for beginners interested in birdwatching and the surprising social connections that can arise from this hobby.